As dawn broke on 21 September 1745 , the Government’s army that had resided in Scotland beheld the spectacle of 2000 Jacobite Highlanders, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, charging through the early mist across the fields of Prestonpans .

In just fifteen minutes the battle engagement was over, with hundreds of government troops slain, injured or taken prisoner.

Fast forward to modern day East Lothian and tourists flock to the site of the famous Battle of Prestonpans where the Bonnie Prince had achieved an unexpected victory against the redcoat soldiers of General Sir John Cope.

It’s part of Scotland that has seen an influx of tourism since being featured on the hit historical drama Outlander after the battle was in one of its season 2 episodes.

With reenactments of the conflict taking place regularly, The Battle of Prestonpans Trust is now aiming to open a new history centre in order to tell the tale of the events leading up to and after the battle - including visiting exhibition spaces, an intimate theatre where history is ‘brought to life’ and educational tours for schools.

Read More

Visitors can expect to take part in workshops such as Gaelic language learning and embroidery sessions. It is hoped that the centre will also feature Scotland’s first ever statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Gordon Prestoungrange, joint chairman of the trust, told The East Lothian Courier:

“The centre we want to create will be a world-class living history centre with the capacity to bring over 80,000 people a year to the area. We will expect a high tourist number to come to the museum – we will schedule in school trips and class trips – and lastly, we need to secure the interest of residents within a 50-mile radius.”

Fundraising for the centre is expected to start later in the year with hopes that the centre will be ready for the public by 2023.